Highway 71 bridge project is under way

The bridge on Highway 71 over the Holbrook and Fort Lyon canals is being replaced by the Colorado Department of Transportation. In order to replace the bridge, a temporary rental bridge has been installed to serve the detour. Traffic is detoured over the temporary bridge structure while the main bridge is torn out and a new bridge constructed.

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By Bette McFarren

LA Junta Tribune - La Junta, CO

By Bette McFarren

Posted Jan. 18, 2013 at 1:00 PM

By Bette McFarren
Posted Jan. 18, 2013 at 1:00 PM

The bridge on Highway 71 over the Holbrook and Fort Lyon canals is being replaced by the Colorado Department of Transportation. In order to replace the bridge, a temporary rental bridge has been installed to serve the detour. Traffic is detoured over the temporary bridge structure while the main bridge is torn out and a new bridge constructed.

On State Highway 266 between Rocky Ford and State Highway 109 just south of Cheraw, two bridges will be constructed using a new technique of slide-in bridges. This is the first time the technique has been employed in Colorado. County Engineer Brent White forwarded the following press release regarding these structures.

“Accelerated bridge construction methods are being utilized for the SH 266 bridges. Both structures have been constructed adjacent to the existing bridges for use as part of the detour and, after the old bridges are demolished, the new structures will be rolled (Fort Lyon Canal) and slid (Holbrook Canal) into place. This operation is scheduled on Saturday, Jan. 26.

“The bridge moves will take place during a full closure of SH 266 lasting 2 ½ days. Traffic will be detoured around the site via County Roads 21 and 24.5.

“After the bridges are moved into place, traffic will be opened in the final configuration of one lane eastbound and one lane westbound. The westbound lane of Highway 266 will be closed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through 2/8/13 to facilitate the safe removal of the detour. While the lane is closed, flaggers will alternate northbound and southbound traffic. Travel delays up to 10 minutes are possible.”